Author Archives: JoCo

I’m very excited to make this secret project public today: I have a new album called Some Guys and it is covers of 70s soft rock songs that sound exactly like the originals. This is maybe not what anyone would have guessed was my next thing, especially me. But I really love it.

In the 70s, I was sensitive kid who liked soft rock (both of those things are still true). These were some of the first songs that I remember really connecting to. I was always pretty sure that this was not a thing that made me cool, but now that I’m in my late 40s, I feel like it’s safe to come out as a soft rock lover. (Hello, I’m Jonathan, and I like Dan Fogelberg.) Lately, I’ve been listening to this kind of music a lot, rediscovering all my old friends, and I couldn’t shake the idea that it would be a lot of fun to just kind of make them again. I didn’t want to do new versions, I wanted to just rebuild the originals from the ground up. I wanted to live inside these songs for a while. I can tell you it felt very warm and cozy in there.

The album was produced by Solid State producer Christian Cassan, and I have to say, it sounds amazing. Most of the instruments are played by him and me, but we brought a few friends in for the stuff that was too hard. The rules: same keys, same tempos, same arrangements (as…

Thanks to all of you who have let me know how much you’re enjoying Solid State, especially those of you who have let me know that it makes you cry. You guys are my favorite, because boy, ME TOO. It’s feeling a little rough and unfriendly out there these days, and if you listen to this album and cry, that probably means you are hearing some of the heavier thoughts and feelings I hoped to express in there. That is maybe the best feeling I get to feel, so thank you.

The album and the graphic novel work just fine by themselves, but I think they work even better together. You can still buy the hardcover edition directly from me, but as of today you can also buy the paperback version (smaller and less awesome) and the digital (infinitely small (in terms of physical space)). The music can be got wherever music can be got: you know what to do.

If you haven’t listened and/or read at this point, honestly, I question your judgment. If you have, and you enjoyed it, please let your friends and enormous social media circles know about it. I think it’s the most personal and meaningful thing I’ve ever made, and I’m very proud of it. If I could, I would put the damned thing on my tombstone. For now, I will have to make do with AS MANY PEOPLE LISTENING TO IT AS POSSIBLE.…

Well, I think we have all waited long enough. I am delighted to FINALLY announce that my new album Solid State will be released on April 28. You can pre-order now at solidstate.jonathancoulton.com. The first single is called “All This Time” and is available right now on Spotify, and as a download in iTunes.

Don’t panic, but Solid State is a concept album about the internet, trolls, artificial intelligence, and how love and empathy will save humanity. So, no pressure. There is also a companion graphic novel (136 pages, hardcover) written by Matt Fraction and drawn by Albert Monteys. You can pre-order these things, plus shirts, gorgeous double vinyl, and various bundles of other fancy items TODAY NOW. We’ll ship them to you the week of release.

You can also pre-order the digital album wherever fine digital music is sold and/or pre-ordered, including iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, etc.

Also also, I’ll be on tour, opening for Aimee Mann, April 20 – May 13 in various cities across the country.

This was a long time in the making, and I really can’t wait for you to hear it.…